2 on force recognized for actions on the job

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

Two Cassville police officers have been presented commendations for actions taken within the line of duty considered above and beyond the call.

A the February Cassville City Council meeting, Officer Jacqueline Murray and Officer Codie Evatt were each recognized, Murray for quickly locating a vehicle stolen out of Springfield and Evatt for helping rescue a child from the roof of a burning home.

According to the commendation given to Murray by Chief Donald Privett, Murray spoke with an individual regarding her daughter’s vehicle, which had been stolen in Springfield. 

“The individual indicated she believed the vehicle would likely never be recovered,” Privett said. “Officer Murray then reached out to one of her police academy instructors, who is also an officer with the Springfield Police Department, and provided information about the stolen vehicle. Within a few hours, the Springfield officer contacted Officer Murray to report that the vehicle had been located and recovered.”

According to the commendation given to Evatt, on Nov. 1, 2005, officers were dispatched to a structure fire where a child caller was stranded on the roof of the first story of the residence. 

“Evatt arrived on scene and safely assisted the child off the roof, removing the child to safety prior to the arrival of the fire department,” Privett said.

Privett said the actions of Evatt and  Murray exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, dedication and service expected of the Cassville Police Department. 

“Both officers demonstrated sound judgment and a commitment to public safety that extends beyond routine duties,” he said. “Their conduct reflects positively on the department and reinforces the trust placed in law enforcement by the community. These commendations recognize not only the individual actions taken, but also the professionalism and integrity that guide their service each day and make the City of Cassville a better place.”

Dianna Sexton, who lives in the Roaring River area and is the mother of the vehicular theft victim in Murray’s case, spoke at the Council meeting in February echoing the sentiment the officers went above and beyond.

“My daughter is a student at Evangel University and called me from Springfield on Dec. 20, 2025, saying her car was stolen,” Sexton said. “We filed a police report in Springfield, and they say they have 8-12 car thefts a day and don’t have the resources to track them down. They said we probably wouldn’t get it back and to file an insurance claim.”

The timing was especially tough for the family, as they are faced with added grief around Christmas time due to Sexton’s mother’s passing in 2023.

“It was really depressing,” Sexton said. “We are already sad around that time, and it just felt like another dark Christmas.”

A few days after the theft, Sexton was in Cassville and spoke to a police officer about the issue.

“I asked if it as really true that they can’t recover stolen cars, and he said it was common,” she said. “Then, Jacqueline walked up and asked what was going on. She asked me for the plate number and said she would help. She genuinely cared and did not have to do that. Insurance was gong to cover it, but we’re still out the time and have to pay taxes.”

Sexton said that happened at about 9 p.m., and by 7 a.m. the next morning, Murray called to say the vehicle had been recovered.

“Nothing was broken,” she said. “The inside was trashed, but we had it detailed and rekeyed,” Sexton said. “I called the insurance company and said to cancel the claim. They asked why, and I said because we got the vehicle back. They asked, ‘Who do you know?’ and said that was incredible because people rarely get their vehicles back if they are stolen.”

Sexton said the efforts made by Murray, when she was not on duty, exemplify the dedication of Cassville police officers.

“People don’t trust police these days because of all the propaganda and how we are so divided, but that’s not the reality,” she said. “Jacqueline made a difference in my daughter’s perspective, and it’s a testament to local police. Everyone needs to know Cassville has the best police. It wasn’t about the car, it was about her taking time outside of her shift to help us. 

“The world needs more people who care. It was very touching. My daughter cried, and we are very appreciative. Now we have a new memory around Christmas, and some light.”